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IN THIS ISSUE
Effort and Resilience II
Risk and Reward
Recipe of the Week
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Free Thoughts 

 

"Seven Deadly Sins"

"Wealth without work
Pleasure without conscience
Science without humanity
Knowledge without character
Politics without principle
Commerce without morality
Worship without sacrifice." 
 

Mahatma Gandhi 

 

 

PRIMETIME

For all teenagers and college students interested in a new medical experience, pay attention.
Salisbury Pediatrics has opened a new wing dedicated to you. In Primetime we are only focused on your needs as an emerging adult. 
From the music when you enter, to the autonomy of your visit, we are sure that you will love a new way to see your doctor.


Quality Products
Food Rules

   This book goes along with the first article. 

Please email me your favorite products.  I would like to share quality products with our readers. Think - car seats, toys, anything that a mother would love!
 
FEEDBACK

Please reply with feedback or questions here.  I will try to answer as many questions via the newsletter as possible.  As always be well and love your children!

 

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Dr. Magryta
Chris
Go to www.salisburypediatrics.com,  if you would like to learn about Integrative Medicine or our practice

 

Issue: #11
March 4, 2013


Volume 3, Letter 11
 

March 4, 2013  

 

Effort and resilience:

 

Why do we give our kids trophies for playing??? I hold that this is akin to taking away their natural drive to succeed and improve. We are developing a generation of children who think that they are great without having achieved a thing. This is what some have called the cocky outside with empty inside syndrome. 

 

My children and I play stratego, cards and chess often. I never let them win on purpose. For a long time Thomas could not beat me in Stratego, but then one day I did not give him enough credit and he caught my flag. I was shocked. He danced around the room and then told the world. We had such a great moment. He was proud of his performance because he persevered and not because he showed up. 

 

We should be praising effort and resilience and not participation. This is not to be confused with a lack of love when failure or half effort occurs. One always loves, but education on how to improve and then praise of the effort is key. Not every child will go to Duke or turn pro in soccer, but every child can be their best and succeed at their God given potential. 

 

Self esteem and strength:

 

I noted that at my sons soccer practices the coaches expect, no require, that parents stay over 100 feet from the practice field. A great idea. The kids can play without the constant verbal banter of their parents (including myself). It also allows them to fall, cry, get up and play on. 

 

If they are truly hurt, they have a coach who provides support and then the failsafe parent around the corner. This hierarchy of support allows a child to understand that adults are there to help and are safe, while unconditional love is always at the parent level. 

 

This pattern of empty praise continues too often. Praise effort and love unconditionally. As always, lead by example - I do not mean workaholic!

 

 

Effort is what we need,

 

Dr. Magryta


Risk and Reward
 

I think back on my youth and I remember being at the top of the neighborhood tree with my buddy. We were kings of the world. i remember riding my bicycle 4 miles to Burger King (seriously) with my pals at age 11. I remember riding a minibike when I was 9 and wiping out only to survive to ride again. 

 

The media would have us believe that this is a scary and dangerous country. Therefore, we should be risk averse. Statistically, this is NOT true. In some ways we are safer now then ever. Taking calculated risks is the key.

 

"Children of risk averse parents have lower test scores and are slightly less likely to attend college than offspring of parents with more tolerant attitudes toward risk." from Sara Brown 

 

There is a lot of truth to no risk, no reward. There is ample evidence that risk averse children become risk averse adults. Risk aversion can turn into a lack of exploration and excellence in work and life. 

 

Here comes the tricky part. How does one calculate risk? Is letting a kid play with a gun risky? Yes. How about jumping on a trampoline? For me: trampoline with net = good. No net = too much risk. The key is educating them on risk and how to navigate the world. Hovering over them and doing it for them is enabling them to fail. 

 

My favorite response to my children when they have not tried and they ask for the answer is, "go figure it out and then let's see." They know that I am always there in the end if needed. Amazingly, I am rarely needed and they often smile.

 
Read the accompanying blog by Tim Elmore

Thank you.  
 
Dr. M

 

Recipe of the Week

 

Green Smoothie 

 

 Ingredients:

 

1 large orange, peeled
1 frozen banana
6 large strawberries
2 cups spinach or kale
1/3 cup almond milk

1/3 cup water

1/2 scoop TJ's or RAW protein powder

 

Directions:

 

Blend and enjoy 

 

 

Dr. M


Newsletter Photos
 
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The newsletter archive can be found in the links section.  New readers can now go back in time to learn about the future!

 

Copyright � 2010-2013 Christopher J. Magryta, MD. Readers, please note: The information provided in this newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for advice and treatment provided by your physician or other healthcare professional and is not to be used to diagnose or treat a health issue.


 


Chris Magryta
Salisbury Pediatric Associates
Touchstone Pediatrics